Kepa Arrizabalaga kicked off an expected exodus of out-of-favour Chelsea players in the final 48 hours of the transfer window by joining Bournemouth on a season-long loan on Thursday.
The Spanish international remains the most expensive goalkeeper of all time after his £71 million ($94 million) move from Athletic Bilbao to Chelsea in 2018.
However, he has struggled to establish himself as number one at Stamford Bridge ever since, and spent last season on loan at Real Madrid.
He made 20 appearances as the Spanish giants won the Champions League and La Liga but lost his place to Andriy Lunin before Thibaut Courtois’ return from injury.
“I’m feeling well; I’m feeling happy to be here,” Kepa said in his first interview with the club.
“I know Andoni [Iraola] well, so of course that was a big reason for coming here; he spoke very well about everything here. I am so ready to be here and play in front of our fans.
“Last season was a great season for the club; we just want to keep going the same way and keep growing.”
Asked if he thinks the club can lift silverware this season, he added, “Hopefully. It will be a great year if we can do it. We have to focus on each game.”
Kepa adds to Andoni Iraola’s depth between the sticks, with the Spaniard set to provide competition for Bournemouth captain and No. 1 Neto.
Among Chelsea’s bloated squad of over 50 players, Kepa was one of seven senior goalkeepers under contract.
“We are delighted to bring a player of Kepa’s calibre to Bournemouth,” said the Cherries’ chief executive, Neill Blake.
“We were aware of his availability and were keen to take the opportunity to bring him to the club on loan.”
Romelu Lukaku, Raheem Sterling, and Ben Chilwell are some of the other big names that could leave Chelsea before Friday’s transfer deadline after being told by head coach Enzo Maresca they will not have a part to play this season.
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